Mark your boxes by room, so you know exactly where everything goes. Color coding or using a number system works great (i.e., red stickers for bedroom or 1 for bathroom.)

Write "FRAGILE" on all boxes with breakables and stack these boxes on top.

Packing the big things:

Beds: Tie bed frames together with tape or rope. Then label the pieces so they're easy to reassemble.

Bureaus: Fill drawers with clothes or fragile, well-wrapped items. Cover with a blanket or furniture pads and rope securely.

Tables: Remove legs, pad and tie together. Put nuts and bolts in a bag and tape under tabletop.

Big appliances: Empty, defrost and drain the fridge, freezer and dishwasher. Clean the interiors and put accessories in bags. Stuff towels between washer sides to prevent rotating and tape down moveable parts. Cover with blankets and tie.